Students

SOCX175 – Australian Society

2018 – S1 OUA

General Information

Download as PDF
Unit convenor and teaching staff Unit convenor and teaching staff
Amanda Wise
Lecturer & Tutor
Breanna Jones
Contact via Email
By appointment
Prerequisites Prerequisites
Corequisites Corequisites
Co-badged status Co-badged status
Unit description Unit description
This is an exciting and innovative unit about Australian life and global societies. It also provides new and engaging ways to develop your understanding of the deep social relationships that bind us together and which, at the same time, underlie the expression of conflict and inequality. We focus in the unit on key areas of social life such as family, gender and sexuality, religion, age, crime, media, work, globalisation and social policy. We also introduce you to sociology and the sociological research process and hope to raise your interest in the social problems and questions confronting Australian society. The unit gives you valuable vocational skills that enable you to enjoy interesting and varied employment in a variety of different commercial, government and non-government positions. All enrolment queries should be directed to Open Universities Australia (OUA): see www.open.edu.au

Important Academic Dates

Information about important academic dates including deadlines for withdrawing from units are available at https://www.open.edu.au/student-admin-and-support/key-dates/

Learning Outcomes

On successful completion of this unit, you will be able to:

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

General Assessment Information

WORD LIMITS:  Word limits DO NOT include bibliography.  You may be +/- 10% word limit.

LATE PENALTY: Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

ASSIGNMENT EXTENSIONS: Will only be granted via a formal special consideration application.

Assessment Tasks

Name Weighting Hurdle Due
Weekly Topic Summaries 25% No Weekly
Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2 30% No Weeks 7 and 13
Essay 30% No Week 11
Participation in discussions 10% No Ongoing
Study skills online quizz 5% No Ongoing

Weekly Topic Summaries

Due: Weekly
Weighting: 25%

This task is designed to assist you to keep up with the weekly programme; listening to the lectures and reading the material provided. The focus is on developing effective reading and note-taking skills. Each week you will be expected to post a short review of the lecture topic (lecture and associated readings). You should outline the overall ideas discussed, and identify and define key terms used.

Word limit: approx 200 words per topic. Weekly submissions required.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2

Due: Weeks 7 and 13
Weighting: 30%

Online quizzes - testing students on key concepts from weekly readings and lectures.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Essay

Due: Week 11
Weighting: 30%

1500 Word essay on a set question

 


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Participation in discussions

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 10%

Participation in online discussions within iLearn


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.

Study skills online quizz

Due: Ongoing
Weighting: 5%

Online quizzes -

1) Week 1 - Orientation to University Study Skills and Resources

2) Week 8 - Research and Referencing quiz

3) Week 10   Academic Integrity quiz.


On successful completion you will be able to:
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Delivery and Resources

Entirely online

Weekly recorded lectures and online tutorials

Weekly readings

 

Policies and Procedures

Late Submission - applies unless otherwise stated elsewhere in the unit guide

Unless a Special Consideration request has been submitted and approved, (a) a penalty for lateness will apply – two (2) marks out of 100 will be deducted per day for assignments submitted after the due date – and (b) no assignment will be accepted more than seven (7) days (incl. weekends) after the original submission deadline. No late submissions will be accepted for timed assessments – e.g. quizzes, online tests.

Extension Request

Special Consideration Policy and Procedure (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policies/special-consideration)

The University recognises that students may experience events or conditions that adversely affect their academic performance. If you experience serious and unavoidable difficulties at exam time or when assessment tasks are due, you can consider applying for Special Consideration.

You need to show that the circumstances:

  1. were serious, unexpected and unavoidable
  2. were beyond your control
  3. caused substantial disruption to your academic work
  4. substantially interfered with your otherwise satisfactory fulfilment of the unit requirements
  5. lasted at least three consecutive days or a total of 5 days within the teaching period and prevented completion of an assessment task scheduled for a specific date.

If you feel that your studies have been impacted submit an application as follows:

  1. Visit Ask MQ and use your OneID to log in
  2. Fill in your relevant details
  3. Attach supporting documents by clicking 'Add a reply', click 'Browse' and navigating to the files you want to attach, then click 'Submit Form' to send your notification and supporting documents
  4. Please keep copies of your original documents, as they may be requested in the future as part of the assessment process

Outcome

Once your submission is assessed, an appropriate outcome will be organised.

OUA Specific Policies and Procedures

Withdrawal from a unit after the census date

You can withdraw from your subjects prior to the census date (last day to withdraw). If you successfully withdraw before the census date, you won’t need to apply for Special Circumstances. If you find yourself unable to withdraw from your subjects before the census date - you might be able to apply for Special Circumstances. If you’re eligible, we can refund your fees and overturn your fail grade.

If you’re studying Single Subjects using FEE-HELP or paying up front, you can apply online.

If you’re studying a degree using HECS-HELP, you’ll need to apply directly to Macquarie University.

Macquarie University policies and procedures are accessible from Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central). Students should be aware of the following policies in particular with regard to Learning and Teaching:

Undergraduate students seeking more policy resources can visit the Student Policy Gateway (https://students.mq.edu.au/support/study/student-policy-gateway). It is your one-stop-shop for the key policies you need to know about throughout your undergraduate student journey.

If you would like to see all the policies relevant to Learning and Teaching visit Policy Central (https://staff.mq.edu.au/work/strategy-planning-and-governance/university-policies-and-procedures/policy-central).

Student Code of Conduct

Macquarie University students have a responsibility to be familiar with the Student Code of Conduct: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/getting-started/student-conduct​

Results

Results shown in iLearn, or released directly by your Unit Convenor, are not confirmed as they are subject to final approval by the University. Once approved, final results will be sent to your student email address and will be made available in eStudent. For more information visit ask.mq.edu.au.

Student Support

Macquarie University provides a range of support services for students. For details, visit http://students.mq.edu.au/support/

Learning Skills

Learning Skills (mq.edu.au/learningskills) provides academic writing resources and study strategies to improve your marks and take control of your study.

Student Services and Support

Students with a disability are encouraged to contact the Disability Service who can provide appropriate help with any issues that arise during their studies.

Student Enquiries

For all student enquiries, visit Student Connect at ask.mq.edu.au

IT Help

For help with University computer systems and technology, visit http://www.mq.edu.au/about_us/offices_and_units/information_technology/help/

When using the University's IT, you must adhere to the Acceptable Use of IT Resources Policy. The policy applies to all who connect to the MQ network including students.

Graduate Capabilities

Creative and Innovative

Our graduates will also be capable of creative thinking and of creating knowledge. They will be imaginative and open to experience and capable of innovation at work and in the community. We want them to be engaged in applying their critical, creative thinking.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions

Capable of Professional and Personal Judgement and Initiative

We want our graduates to have emotional intelligence and sound interpersonal skills and to demonstrate discernment and common sense in their professional and personal judgement. They will exercise initiative as needed. They will be capable of risk assessment, and be able to handle ambiguity and complexity, enabling them to be adaptable in diverse and changing environments.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions

Commitment to Continuous Learning

Our graduates will have enquiring minds and a literate curiosity which will lead them to pursue knowledge for its own sake. They will continue to pursue learning in their careers and as they participate in the world. They will be capable of reflecting on their experiences and relationships with others and the environment, learning from them, and growing - personally, professionally and socially.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions
  • Study skills online quizz

Discipline Specific Knowledge and Skills

Our graduates will take with them the intellectual development, depth and breadth of knowledge, scholarly understanding, and specific subject content in their chosen fields to make them competent and confident in their subject or profession. They will be able to demonstrate, where relevant, professional technical competence and meet professional standards. They will be able to articulate the structure of knowledge of their discipline, be able to adapt discipline-specific knowledge to novel situations, and be able to contribute from their discipline to inter-disciplinary solutions to problems.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions
  • Study skills online quizz

Critical, Analytical and Integrative Thinking

We want our graduates to be capable of reasoning, questioning and analysing, and to integrate and synthesise learning and knowledge from a range of sources and environments; to be able to critique constraints, assumptions and limitations; to be able to think independently and systemically in relation to scholarly activity, in the workplace, and in the world. We want them to have a level of scientific and information technology literacy.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions
  • Study skills online quizz

Problem Solving and Research Capability

Our graduates should be capable of researching; of analysing, and interpreting and assessing data and information in various forms; of drawing connections across fields of knowledge; and they should be able to relate their knowledge to complex situations at work or in the world, in order to diagnose and solve problems. We want them to have the confidence to take the initiative in doing so, within an awareness of their own limitations.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Be able to read, summarise and apply essential sociological ideas to the study of contemporary life.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions
  • Study skills online quizz

Effective Communication

We want to develop in our students the ability to communicate and convey their views in forms effective with different audiences. We want our graduates to take with them the capability to read, listen, question, gather and evaluate information resources in a variety of formats, assess, write clearly, speak effectively, and to use visual communication and communication technologies as appropriate.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.
  • Written and verbal expression allowing the synthesis and clear explanation of complex ideas.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions

Engaged and Ethical Local and Global citizens

As local citizens our graduates will be aware of indigenous perspectives and of the nation's historical context. They will be engaged with the challenges of contemporary society and with knowledge and ideas. We want our graduates to have respect for diversity, to be open-minded, sensitive to others and inclusive, and to be open to other cultures and perspectives: they should have a level of cultural literacy. Our graduates should be aware of disadvantage and social justice, and be willing to participate to help create a wiser and better society.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions

Socially and Environmentally Active and Responsible

We want our graduates to be aware of and have respect for self and others; to be able to work with others as a leader and a team player; to have a sense of connectedness with others and country; and to have a sense of mutual obligation. Our graduates should be informed and active participants in moving society towards sustainability.

This graduate capability is supported by:

Learning outcomes

  • Be familiar with key sociological concepts as they are applied to the study of Australian society.
  • Have developed an understanding of a range of theoretical perspectives on social life from the 19th century to the present.
  • Have developed a broad understanding of research techniques, materials social science epistemology.
  • Have developed a rich understanding of contemporary Australian life.

Assessment tasks

  • Weekly Topic Summaries
  • Key Concepts Quiz 1 & 2
  • Essay
  • Participation in discussions

Changes since First Published

Date Description
20/02/2018 Assignment due dates adjusted and wording refined for clarity.
15/02/2018 Due date changed on study skills module quizz